Head removal question I6 vs IDI

LilDuke · #1 (**permalink**) 08-03-2008, 07:02 PM

I've done a few strong arm head swaps on various I6's I've owned. Reading around here all I see is how you need a cherry picker. Compared to the I6 is the 7.3 head heavier or lighter?

ford390gashog · #2 (**permalink**) 08-03-2008, 07:16 PM

The IDI head is not that heavy maybe about 70 lbs but when I did mine I just lifted them on and off. I did both head gaskets in about 5 hours from start to finish. I also pulled the exhuast manifolds with the heads to make it faster.

Dave Sponaugle · #3 (**permalink**) 08-03-2008, 07:27 PM

If the engine is in the frame, they are rather heavy to be lifting around in the awkward position you will be in.

May be a bit different for a 2 wheel drive, but I can't even get a decent grip on mine in a 4x4 standing outside the truck.

If the engine is out on an engine stand, there is no problem lifting them.

LilDuke · #4 (**permalink**) 08-04-2008, 02:29 PM

Ok. I've already unbolted the exaust manifolds, as I'm trying to narrow down where my exaust leak is coming from. I was going to slide it in the shop, and use the overhead. But moving my truck around by myself is not a feat I want to do often. Thanks Guys

David85 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-04-2008, 03:15 PM

Actually they are about 95 pounds each. Saw that from shipping data.

This is not a head that you should try and manhandle into or out of position. You need a hoist of some sort ot you will not be able to control it. Its heavy enough to take fingers off it if gets away on you, so be careful.

LilDuke · #6 (**permalink**) 08-04-2008, 05:32 PM

The problem is, I can't afford to keep this truck in the shop, and I don't have a cherry picker that rolls on stones. I also am working alone, as my wife weighs as much as one of these heads do. I guess I'm gonna have to build a "big wheel" cherry picker of some sorts.

ford390gashog · #7 (**permalink**) 08-04-2008, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LilDuke

build a "big wheel" cherry picker of some sorts.

Its called a Tree Branch and a Hoist!

Dave Sponaugle · #8 (**permalink**) 08-04-2008, 06:37 PM

Tripod time.

My hoist is a tow behind setting on 8" pneumatic rubber tires.
It will move on gravel with a head on it, but not with a motor.

LilDuke · #9 (**permalink**) 08-04-2008, 07:40 PM

I keep looking over in the "pile'. There sits a welder/gen set trailer. Over there's a bunch of tractor wheel/suitcase/block weights. And Hmm... Theres a cherry picker cut off a flat bed truck, and theres a hoist crane with cable from another truck... Now where's my welder?